This is a discussion on Alpha, Beta, or Omega? within the INTJ Forum - The Scientists forums, part of the NT's Temperament Forum- The Intellects category; INTJs, which do you identify with? What are your thoughts on this topic in general?
A brief description of each ...

Alpha, Beta, or Omega?

INTJs, which do you identify with? What are your thoughts on this topic in general?

A brief description of each in my own words:

Alpha males are the dominant males. Generally, there can be only one present. If two or more occupy the same location, there will probably be conflict. The conflict can be extremely subtle, and you might not even see it if you are not sensitive and/or perceptive. The chance to demonstrate dominance presents itself through establishing zero-sum objectives and then displaying prowess through shows of success. This is often done, in the case of true alphas, unconsciously and unintentionally. It comes from within, and manifests most apparently as overbearing confidence that can even seem offensive at times. The key here is that alphas do not engage in this type of behavior intentionally, it is their nature to behave this way. They can't really see it any other way, and the very thought of engaging life in any other manner would probably seem ignorant or confusing to them.

Betas, by comparison, will display all the above behaviors, but they do so with intention. Life is a competition and they know it, but they don't have the 'built-in' natural sense that they're 'entitled' and that they've already 'won'. Alphas often adopt that attitude by default, whereas a beta feels he has to do something to earn it. Betas are also less competitive because they don't always feel the drive towards achievement for its own sake. They are not as unconsciously driven towards seeking approval and status as an alpha, although they might pursue these things for different reasons. They are often content to allow the alpha his swagger and showmanship, while quietly seeking out the fulfillment of their own agendas, which tend to ignore or circumvent the alpha's intentions. In this way, betas often will either behave in an evasive manner, trying to avoid a confrontation, or they will seek to bond with the alpha and support him, so that he can gain from the alpha's spoils while adding to his own in a symbiotic way.

Omegas, finally, are not interested in status or competition at all. They will avoid even betas, and tend to be the most evasive they can possibly be. They have the least motivation in all respects, and apply themselves with less passion in everything they do. They are content to simply eat and drink last, so long as they get to eat and drink at all. They will take the scraps that are thrown at them because the scraps are all they really want. It doesn't bother them in any way. They are content to simply exist and have what they want without doing anything to earn it. Mating and intimacy might be something they desire, but they are the least likely to exert any necessary effort to change themselves or engage in any behavior that requires them to compete with other people. Omegas are not bothered by social status at all, or how others view them. They will sometimes let themselves go, become fat and lazy, because these things do not bother them. Often, they have a low self-esteem, which they will try and compensate for in many ways. An extroverted omega might be prone to fights and bullying, trying to fill the void inside himself with the admiration of his peers because he feels he must hide the fact that he is weak. Of course, this is not a fact at all, but he will perceive it that way and behave as if it is.

I probably fit your description of beta the best, but it depends on the people I'm around. It requires conscious effort to stay 'on top' (I am capable, but prefer not to). This fits me perfectly: "They are often content to allow the alpha his swagger and showmanship, while quietly seeking out the fulfillment of their own agendas, which tend to ignore or circumvent the alpha's intentions".

I'm also a bit of an omega in some areas, because I think the whole game is ridiculous. I find the whole idea of social status and hierarchy to be ludicrous, and I don't give a shit if other people are impressed by me or not. But my attitude in this regard might be a bit utilitarian: people underestimate me a lot, and think I'm stupid in strictly social settings, which sometimes gives me the upper hand if I ever need it.

Mostly alpha but occaisonally depending on the circumstances i can be omega, though i was definately alpha when i was younger. I felt entitled to everything and would swagger like i owned the place but in a quiet way. Like a pupeteer holding the strings but unseen. Now it's more like "You know the dance, you do your part and i'll do mine" but staying close to the top. The description made the beta sound quite parasitic.

I'd describe myself as omega, given these descriptions. I refuse to do what is expected of me, or what I am expected to compete for, unless I see real, wholesome gain at stake—i.e. not for the sake of status or advancement, though if that is a byproduct of said action, I will not necessarily avoid it.

Day to day though, it depends who I'm with and maybe my mood to some extent. Some of my friends have the dominant personality between the two of us and some don't (and if you knew me and all my friends well you might be surprised at which ones fall under which). When it comes down to it I can take charge and do it comfortably in most any situation:

INTJs are natural leaders, although they usually choose to remain in the background until they see a real need to take over the lead. When they are in leadership roles, they are quite effective, because they are able to objectively see the reality of a situation, and are adaptable enough to change things which aren't working well.

When I was in school, for some reason I did a lot better when the quality of my peerage was low. I don't mean this to sound arrogant; usually it had nothing to do with ability, but if I felt like they weren't getting it, or I felt like they didn't care much as a whole, I suddenly experienced a massive rise in performance. It wasn't just in comparison to the rest, either. I would get perfect scores on whatever it was. Sometimes the "roll" would continue if the state of the class changed, and sometimes I would regress. I'm sure there were other variables, like my base interest level, but I never really understood why this happened to begin with.

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